Hey! We are headed there next week, any tips on where to go and what to see? We are splitting LA on Sunday and will get up that way around Wed I think. We plan on spending most of a day checking it out.

Any info would be most appreciated including campsites! And what's the scoop with getting a guide whilst riding bikes? On KTM 990's BTW.

Any info would be most appreciated including campsites! And what's the scoop with getting a guide whilst riding bikes? On KTM 990's BTW.

Mike

Hi Buddy !!!! Me and Dingweeds will be riding some more of that Arizona stuff in about 3 weeks that you road a couple years ago. Nice 950 !!!!

Yes---to get to the bottom of the canyon you need an Indian guide with you and your vehicle----he will travel with you. I have heard of several people who've talked the Indian guide into riding on the back of your motorcycle. I'd give it a try if I were you. Me and my son were there a few years ago---but didn't try the tour -----but rode all around the rim.

So --------more Canyon eye candy !!

My son Marty--who rode his Husqvarna TE610.

You can see a vehicle traveling down in the canyon in this picture---what a beautiful place.
We rode a lot of unpaved stuff around there too--------but that's another story.

Hey! We are headed there next week, any tips on where to go and what to see? We are splitting LA on Sunday and will get up that way around Wed I think. We plan on spending most of a day checking it out.

Any info would be most appreciated including campsites! And what's the scoop with getting a guide whilst riding bikes? On KTM 990's BTW.

Mike

I think a day is plenty- but I don't spend a whole ton of time in anyone place. If you like shopping for native arts there will be plenty of blankets spread with jewelry, paintings, etc for you to buy- that could take you some time if you are into that- each outlook has these vendors (usually- but maybe not as many as on the weekend). The outlooks are all accessible by paved roads. Getting into the canyon I have never attempted on bike. I am sure it is possible, but you might try calling the four wheel drive place first- lots of Navajo kids ride dirt bikes and maybe one of them is also a guide- it could be a really unique experience. I would say all of the roads you can find on a delorme map for the NN should be OK to ride your 990 on- but if it is raining or has been raining beware of the mud- it will trash a clutch in a heartbeat if you get stuck- and getting unstuck is no fun.

Dry conditions though will take you out and about the Rez dirt roads. Be aware that many of these roads are not traveled much and those that are traveling on them have land adjacent to the road or nearby, there may also be a trailer that is right up against the road and it will definitely feel weird to ride up to the house. Go slow be respectful, and turn around if it looks like there are gates or no way to get through. Respect is the key on the Rez. Most folks there don't have much in what the western world thinks is important and like anyone else they don't want to be taken advantage of or stolen from, so sometimes there is a wariness in meeting strangers. Smile and don't shake a hand with a death grip- it's considered bad manners and rude. Sometimes the english spoken can be haltingly slow, but your navajo is probably way worse so just do your best to communicate and show good intentions. Navajo is a first language on the rez, and that should be celebrated, so just learning how to say hi in navajo is a good skill (it's on the internet). Folks there may not know what you are talking about if you are referencing a map- they just know how to get from A to B.

Major dirt roads generally have signs- and they should be lots of fun to travel.

There is a National Park CG that is real close to the visitor center there is also a privately run rv/tent park that is closer to the edge of the canyon and could be more interesting. Here is the website:

Thanks for the photos. This has been on my list of places along my western ride.

Thank You

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDogAdventures.com

Hi Buddy !!!! Me and Dingweeds will be riding some more of that Arizona stuff in about 3 weeks that you road a couple years ago. Nice 950 !!!!

Yes---to get to the bottom of the canyon you need an Indian guide with you and your vehicle----he will travel with you. I have heard of several people who've talked the Indian guide into riding on the back of your motorcycle. I'd give it a try if I were you. Me and my son were there a few years ago---but didn't try the tour -----but rode all around the rim.

BD,
I think you are going to completely love it. I'm lucky to live so close to so much good riding. Have a blast!

Looking forward to another great RR from you guys on the west- always good information and fun reading.

Be safe, have fun, let me know if you need anything and get close to Gallup.